A strong woman is terrifying to some people. A woman who knows herself, who understands herself, and appreciates what she has to offer, scares a lot of people. We live in a society where everyone is pigeon-holed into a slot where society feels they “fit.” If you don’t fit the proper societal mold, you’re labeled a “misfit,” an outsider, socially awkward, strange, the list goes on. I don’t like labels, I never have. I never will. I’m a strong woman. I have beliefs that are outside the “Norm.” But I am not strange, I am not a misfit. I am here to change the way that people look at things, change their ideas.
I don’t like societal molds. I don’t like placing people, things, or ideas in the spot where they “fit.” Sometimes, you’ll find you place something in a spot it doesn’t normally “fit” and it thrives. It grows, it flourishes, and it shares it’s strength with others. Think about all the places you’ve seen something or someone in a position you never would have imagined them in, but they’re doing it, they love it, and they are thriving. It happens all the time!
Boudoir Photography is an art form. It is about showing a woman what she’s got, and telling her to “Show ’em what you’re workin’ with.” This is a celebration of a woman’s beautiful body, but also what’s on the inside of that beautiful body. The heart and soul that makes that woman unique and beautiful. A truly great photo isn’t just capturing a moment, it’s also about capturing what is really there, what is on the inside. Making that photograph come to life, having people look closer not just take a glance and walk away. Pornography is very explicit, there are no questions as to what the objective of porn is. Pornography is an activity where the model is usually paid, and paid well to showcase their goods. Pornography is something meant to be shared enmasse, and to titillate many people. Boudoir photography is really only done for one other person than that of the female having portraits done. Boudoir photography is only meant for the eyes of her partner. It’s also not laying everything out on display for the viewer to see. It’s purposefully mastered and posed to give a little sneak peek but to remain slightly ‘anonymous’ for lack of a better word.
Labeling boudoir photography porn, is not giving it enough credit and is an insult to those who create it and those who have it done. We are living in an era where sex is everywhere, it’s in commercials and some of those commercials are not very tastefully done (think Jessica Simpson, Dukes of Hazzard music video or Paris Hilton, Carl’s Jr. Commercial.) These examples, really objectify women. There’s nothing wrong with shaking your booty, nothing at all…but there’s a line that should never be crossed and every Photographer worth his/her salt knows this. But sex sells, and unfortunately many are ready and willing to cross that line for the right amount of money. Boudoir CAN be porn, but it comes down to the Photographer’s vision and what they want their reputation to be.
For us, at The Boudoir, we want a clean reputation. We are seeking a reputation that will send the message to women and their partners that this is a safe way for them to share their sexuality. We make sure we understand exactly what our clients are looking for, and we make sure we have boundaries in place even before that first CF card slides in. Before we create, we protect our clients, and ourselves. When we’re all done and the lights turn off, we go home and that’s where the true magic begins. We choose our very best images, the once that really stand out and say wow! and when these women see these photos they are speechless. Many of them had no idea they could look this beautiful, even before editing! This is a healing time for many of the women who choose boudoir. It’s a time for them to make amends with their bodies and to realize what they really look like to everyone else around them. Those minor insecurities that we all have look tiny in comparison. Doing these shoots give women strength and a new-found understanding of themselves, it’s empowering! With pornography, it is the opposite, most often. Pornography can diminish a woman’s self worth and value.
Ultimately it all boils down to the fact that we are here to provide a classy and beautiful service to classy & beautiful (inside & out) women. We’re not pornographers. We’re artists. What we create is beauty, and what is left behind is more than just images on paper. Our women walk away with TWO packages when they’re done with us. One that they give away, and one that they keep inside themselves. Empowerment, beauty, confidence, a boost to self esteem, and strength all wrapped up tight with a pretty, shiny satin bow. No one can ever take that away from them because Boudoir is NOT porn.
